9/11

This photo is the view I saw every work day for more than 20 years as I traveled between Staten Island and Manhattan on the ferry. I can only add my small voice to those so deeply hurt and outraged by the attacks that took place on this day eight-years ago. I moved from NYC to L.A. almost exactly one year before the tragedy. If I had remained in New York, there is a strong likelihood that I would have been in the thick of it. Shortly before 9 a.m. that day I would have probably been on the R train directly beneath Cortland Street, the site of the Twin Towers. I guess I dodged a bullet. As it happens, I was awakened by a call from my girlfriend (now my wife) Nancy at about 6:30 am. "Put the TV on!" she said. Like countless other viewers I sat and watched the horror unfolding before me. At the time, I was the west coast editor for a NY-based magazine. When I went to work at 9, it was noon in New York and the city was in chaos. My only duty that day was to close the office and send everyone home. Then as now, I feel profound sadness and deep anger. Maybe one day the anger will recede. The sadness and the sense of loss will stay with me all my days--in particular this day in September. --al in la